Yesterday,

I found an usigned budvase made by Jauchens or Brosi of the Old Mission Kopper Kraft Shop. It is in the Eucaliptus leaf and pod motif. It was being sold as a candlestick. The dimple in the base told me that it needed a glass tube insert and so I went on my search for one to fit. I remembered that Tabacconists often have cigars stored in these testube like cylinders. $12 later I had a fine cigar and my insert that fit perfectly. The tabacconists seem to have a variety of sizes and lengths available.

Just wanted to pass on this bit of information.

It was interesting to finally find one of these items from the San Fransisco firm. The leaf and the buds are of cast brass/bronze. The base looks spun and embelished with hammered decoration. There is a trace of a paper lable that well could be from the shop.

The literature I have read from some of the orignal lables say that the pods are made from live eucalyptus pods found at the Golden Gate Park. The pods were then "metalized" and used in the design. I suspect they were invested in an investement (plaster like material) and then burned out in a kiln. The cavity would then be filled with the molten metal and the the investment removed. The vase I now own had two distinct pods so I am unable to discern if they may have used a mold to make wax models of the pods. The leaves are definately cast in brass/bronze. The castings have been patinated a lovely green. The castings were also brazed to the copper base.

Does anyone else have items from this shop and can you make any further observations as to manufacture.

Fred

Hello Fred,
My Sister in Law lives in San Francisco at 1331 Vicente ST. And her name is Patty Jones, she has lived there all her life and may be able to help you. The copper naturally turns green and should never be cleaned as this will take away from the value. I truly would like to see a picture of what you have so I could look in my antique books for the item to give you a value.
Also you could take it to the big antique place in San Fran., that I can't think of their name at this moment. Something field, and they used to be on the Home&GardenTV show almost daily. Ah, I think it is Setterfield.

Hope you find out what it is you are looking for.

Respectfully,

Ralph Jones

Ralph,

I am aware of the value of patination on metal. The color of this piece is original to it and it was well done. I am sending you an image today. It will be interesting to see what you find. I have found a similar piece by the Old Mission Kopper Kraft shop and it sold at auction 4 years ago. Most of what I collect is to decorate my home so value is not the driving motivation.

Fred